Which is the Best Car Seat For Your Newborn?

A car seat that is safe and secure ensures your baby is safe, comfortable and secure when you're on the road. Which one is the best for your newborn?

The right choice for infant car seat isn't easy. There are a lot of features to take into consideration, such as latch hooks, belt pathways, and load legs. Here's what you should consider to make the right choice for your family.

User-Friendliness

You'll want to select an option that is easy to set up and use, whether you're purchasing an infant car seat for your newborn or upgrading your toddler's seat. Take into consideration the size of the base and the car, as well as how the seat fits your baby's weight and height, and additional features that are convenient, such as a lay-flat option that can also double as a bassinet for your stroller.

Infant-only seats are a great choice for small babies because they're generally smaller than convertible car seats and fit babies more comfortably. They come with a harness that can help your child's head during an accident, which will lessen the strain on their neck or spinal cord.

Convertible car seat are ideal for parents who want to keep their baby rear-facing for as long as they can. The majority of models let the child sit rear-facing until the weight is 30 pounds or greater. Choose a convertible car seat that complies with federal safety standards and has a an upper minimum of 50 pounds.

It's important to keep in mind that, despite the fact that all car seats must meet strict NHTSA standards there are a myriad of models available. To avoid the hassle and risk of a dangerous or defective seat, select one that's approved by a reputable business or organization, and then look for recent recalls and manufacturer complaints.

The top-rated car seats are constructed with skin-friendly materials, plush padding, and several recline positions. Some of them also have padding around the buckle and on the shoulder harness to help your infant remain comfortable on long road trips. If you have a smaller vehicle, look for an infant car seat travel seat that is narrow, such as the Clek Liing, which is just 17 inches wide and easy to install in most cars. The UPPAbaby Mesa Max, which is specifically designed to work with UPPAbaby strollers, is another excellent option for families who need a simple car seat that is simple to use. The harness that retracts automatically, EZ buckle and premium lower anchor connectors are all simple to use.

Safety Features

Whether you're looking for a safe, lightweight infant car seat to take your baby on long trips or simply want to make sure your baby is comfortable for the duration of a ride There are some key aspects that are important to keep in mind. Take into consideration the weight and height limits of your infant seat. This will determine the length of time your child is able to safely stay in the seat. Look for a model that is able to accommodate the 90th percentile of your child's height before turning one. Consider whether you would like to drape a blanket or coat on the harness straps. The AAP advises against this, since thick clothing can cause a collapse and leave the straps loose to secure your child, increasing the chance of injuries.

You should also consider whether your car seat can be secured using the LATCH system or a vehicle belt and if it's compatible with other travel systems or strollers. A car seat that can fit onto a compatible base is the best infant carrier car seat option if you plan to use it for a majority of your journeys, as you'll save time and energy by not having to remove it and reinstall it each time you use your vehicle.

In our tests the Best of the Bump-winning Cybex Cloud G Lux earned top marks for its ease of installation and adjustments, with testers affirming that it "has everything you need for a fast and easy installation." This includes premium LATCH connecters that flip out of the base and turn green once fully connected. Also included are a SuperCinch strap tightener for force multipliers as well as spring-loaded leveling feet.

The Baby Trend Secure Lift is another option worth considering. We found it to be as easy to use and as affordable as models that cost twice as much. Our test participants have been raving about its five-position headrest, height-adjustable that can be adjusted to fit your child's height with a no-rethread harness and magnetic buckle holders.

The Maxi-Cosi Jade makes an excellent choice for babies, thanks to its unique 180-degree sleep position. This allows them to sleep comfortably and stay asleep for longer on journeys. It's also been lauded for its safety, with consumer advocate Which? ADAC awarding it the highest laboratory rating for car seats for infants.

Rear-Facing Options

In most cars, the most secure spot for a baby is the rear center seat. The seat in the center is furthest away from any potential impact, and will protect your baby best car seats for infants in an accident. If possible, you should select an infant car seat that lets your child ride rear-facing until about one year old. It is also important to ensure that the car seat is properly installed and that the headrest is placed comfortably against your child's head and chest. Consult a certified child passenger technician who will provide you with the most up-to date suggestions for car seat installation and use. Find one in your area here.

Choosing a car seat for your newborn is a huge investment that you'll probably use for a very long duration, so you'll need to choose one with an impressive crash test sensor and analysis score, as well as features to keep your child comfortable. The Clek Liing is a great option for parents looking for a low-cost rear-facing infant car seat. It scored extremely high in both our analysis and sensor tests, has an easy-to-use LATCH system with the ability to change colors that shows how buckle straps are attached properly to the car, and an extra load leg to help prevent frontal crashes.

Senior editor of the Strategist magazine and mother of two Jen Trolio used the Graco Extend2Fit for her daughters who both went from birth until age 6. The harness's adjustable height and size allows it to be adapted to children of all sizes, including taller ones. It's a good choice for a wide range of vehicles and has a low, 50-pound rear-facing weight limit. Plus, the seat converts into a booster, which Trolio used for her oldest daughter up to the time she was 10 years old.

Another affordable option is the Nuna RAVA. It doesn't come with an base, but it is still easy to put in using the LATCH connectors, which are rigid. They flip out of the bottom and turn green automatically when the seat is attached to the vehicle. The RAVA is a comfortable baby seat with a no rethread harness. Magnetic buckle holders make it easy to secure the straps, without having to remove your baby from the car seat. LaBracio also liked the recline that has six positions.

Options with a Forward-Facing

Necks of children can be cradled by the seat back in front-facing seats, rather than being pushed forward on a hard vehicle seat. This position also protects children from side-impacts better. The majority of car seats allow children to ride rear-facing until they weigh over 20 pounds and one year old. Many experts suggest that children remain rear-facing as long as they can. Their neck muscles and bones will be stronger when it's time to switch to an front-facing seat.

If you are looking at alternatives for forward-facing car seat, ensure that they meet i-Size requirements, have a padded head rest, and a spacious harness pocket. Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits and think about purchasing a car seat that can expand with your child to an adult booster seat. Some models have an all-in-one option that allows you to move your child from a rear-facing car seat (with tether and harness) to a forward-facing seat that has a harness and then to a booster seat.

It's important to also consider whether the car seat will fit well in your vehicle, especially in the case of a small trunk or low clearance. Make sure to check the seat's dimensions and the owner's manual to ensure that the seat is the most appropriate fit.

Choose a car seat that provides good support and comfort to your child. Long drives in the car are more enjoyable if they can rest comfortably. This can include features like reclined seat backs, a five point harness that can be tightened from the back of your seat, and a range of recline positions.

Once you've narrowed your choices down, you'll need to consider the crash replacement policies of the car seats you're thinking of buying. These can range from a manufacturer’s replacement policy to an individual case review.

After you've done some study and determined what kind of car seat you'd like then you can begin shopping. You can also ask friends who have children to recommend. You can also schedule an appointment for a Rockridge Kids consultation with a CPST to help you select the best car seat for your newborn.